Here is my beautiful Alocasia Regal Shield; this particular plant was one of my very first additions to my collection. At the time of purchase, I did not fully understand what an Alocasia was or the specific care requirements it needed to thrive and grow well. Despite my initial lack of knowledge and the challenges I faced with some of my other Alocasia plants, I am quite surprised and grateful that this one has managed to survive the less-than-ideal conditions I provided.

It originally started with just two small leaves and then grew rapidly to about eight leaves. However, I have recently encountered a problem with spider mites, which has never happened before with this particular plant. I had to cut off some leaves and give the plant a thorough wash. I am pleased to report that the spider mites have now disappeared, and the plant is thriving once again. [I am also excited to share that it is expecting a new leaf soon!]

Spidermites - These are pests that feed on the sap from the plants, spinning delicate silk webs that damage the leaves and stop the natural growth process from taking place. They are extremely small creatures that tend to gather together in large numbers on the underside of leaves.

Treatment - There are many effective methods to get rid of spider mites, such as rubbing or spraying diluted alcohol on the leaves, which helps to dry out the pests effectively. Additionally, giving your plant a thorough wash can increase moisture levels, which is beneficial. You could also consider using pest sprays, which are readily available at any garden center, offering various options to manage these unwanted insects.

The great benefit of this plant is that it grows croms. Now I never knew this when I first got the plant and thought they were just part of the root. I have to admit some did fall off and I did throw them away not knowing they were the seed of the mother plant. I then discovered how to grow them and have now gifted many of the baby plants to friends and family.

I carefully gathered the corms and placed them in a propagation box that was filled with sphagnum moss. After setting up the box, I positioned it in a spot where it would receive direct sunlight throughout the day. In addition, I made sure to mist the moss every so often to maintain a suitable level of humidity. It took a few weeks of patience to finally see the corm begin to grow, but once it pushed out its first leaf, the rest of the growth seemed to follow.

Alocasia Regal shield in propagation box

Alocasias are part of the Arum family, and they thrive naturally in the warm and humid conditions of tropical climates, primarily found in regions across Asia and eastern Australia. These striking plants prefer to receive medium to bright indirect light, which is essential for their growth and overall health.

Alocasias prefer an airy and well-drained soil mix that allows for optimal root health. Watering once a week, along with the occasional light misting, helps to keep the soil adequately moist without becoming overly wet. This combination creates a suitable environment for these beautiful plants to thrive.

My alocasia is positioned on a high shelf, where it doesn’t get much sunlight at all. I try to water it when the soil feels fairly damp, but I sometimes leave it to dry out for a bit too long, which is usually accidental, of course. This care routine has helped me keep it alive, even in less-than-ideal conditions.

The soil mix for my Alocasia is a mixture of peat-free soil, bark, and leca, which I’ve found offers the best support and environment for its growth under my specific conditions. My alocasia has grown fairly large compared to its size when I first got it, and it continues to thrive impressively. If you are looking for a smaller plant to add to your collection, I wouldn’t recommend this particular variety, as it tends to grow quickly and vigorously in the right conditions.

I absolutely love this Alocasia plant because the leaves have a beautiful velvet-like texture that can effortlessly transform any room. It is also one of my absolute favorite plants to photograph :)

Alocasia Regal Shield

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